In Butare Sector, Rusizi District, a wave of sorrow and shock has swept through the Rwandan community following disturbing reports involving teachers at Gasumo Secondary School. Several educators are suspected of inappropriate behavior, including sexually exploiting students and engaging in romantic relationships with them—acts that have severely tarnished the reputation of the teaching profession and its moral standards.
Late last week, a male teacher named Bonaventure went missing after being accused of defiling a 15-year-old student he taught. The incident was reportedly brought to light by residents of Rwinzuki Cell, who claim the abuse occurred off school grounds.
The school administration confirmed that they were informed of the matter by local residents who immediately reported it to the authorities.
Muronsi Sebagabo Seth, the school headmaster, stated:
“We were informed by residents who said the teacher had defiled a 15-year-old girl. He was no longer on campus when we tried to reach him, so we notified the security organs right away.”
Since then, police and local authorities have intensified efforts to locate the suspect, as the case involves a serious crime punishable under Rwandan law.
While the community, teachers, and students were still reeling from that news, another scandal emerged involving a female teacher at the same school. It was revealed that she was in a romantic relationship with a male student in Senior Five (equivalent to 11th grade).
According to school officials, the teacher and student both signed a written statement admitting to their relationship and declared their intention to get married once the student completes his studies.
Sebagabo added: “The teacher was relatively new to the school, but she and the student had reportedly been dating before she joined our staff and he enrolled here. They said they met when one was studying at Mwezi and the other was teaching there.”
Although the student is legally an adult, local authorities in Butare Sector condemned the relationship, arguing that such dynamics between teachers and students should not be tolerated in any educational institution.
Ntibizera Jean Pierre, the Executive Secretary of Butare Sector, emphasized: “As a teacher, you have the responsibility to educate and be a role model. A romantic relationship, even if consensual, cannot undo the damage it causes to core values and the trust parents and students place in educators.”
The conduct of these teachers has deeply disturbed many, especially parents of children at the school. Mukashyaka Lorentine, a concerned parent, voiced her disappointment, saying:
“This is shameful and a betrayal of our education system. A teacher should be a pillar of good morals, not the cause of a child’s downfall. How can we now trust that our children are safe at school?”
This sentiment was echoed by some students, who have begun to feel uneasy interacting closely with their teachers. Some even expressed that they no longer feel they are truly in the care of mentors.
In response, the Rwanda National Police, Rusizi District leadership, and the Ministry of Education have launched investigations into all related cases. Teachers at the school are undergoing counseling and the administration is checking for other potential hidden misconduct.
The Mayor of Rusizi District has announced plans to form a special team to monitor teachers’ behavior across all schools in the district, aiming to prevent future incidents like those at Gasumo Secondary School.
